My Ancestors, and: Rerun

My Ancestors, and: Rerun Debra Prazak (bio) My Ancestors Defy being forgottenurged upwardas these stonesrise each springfrom an uneasy underworldonce blanketed by prairieripped openby oxen laboringat whip and tillimmigrant farmersbent on conqueringharsh conditionsof the DakotasRed River Valley;unearthed rich, black fieldsnow quartered and parceledfor wheat, corn, sugar beetssunflowers, and soy beans;where stones surfaceeach springmaking more workmaking surethey are not forgotten. [End Page 51] Rerun Old Yeller on black-and-white TV credits rolling,my sister and I each in upholstered rocking chairs bodies curled, feet tucked up we quietly sobbedinto our knees, hid and swallowed our grief. Terrible pressure almost brokethe protective cages around our hearts. Terrible pressure forcing breathout of our bodies. "How could we ever breathe again?" Not knowing then that this was how it would be the rest of our lives. [End Page 52] Debra Prazak debra prazak writes poetry, upcycles clothing, and manages social media for a nonprofit. She recently worked with Brainerd Lakes TZD to found a sober ride service. She is a graduate of UND and Hamline University's Masters of Liberal Studies program. Debra lives in northern Minnesota with her three dogs.